Saitama: Ulsan Hyundai's impressive Group Stage campaign has struck fear into the rest of the 2019 AFC Champions League sides, claims midfielder Kim Bo-kyung ahead of their Round of 16 clash at Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday
For the first five matches of their Group H campaign, Ulsan went undefeated - one of just three teams to do so. A much-changed side then travelled to Shandong Luneng for Matchday Six having already won the group. And like that, the run was over.
However there can be little doubt that, come the knockout stage, one can expect to see a return of the side who won all three games at home and blanked their opponents in four of their six encounters.
Statistics that, says 2016 AFC Champions League winner Kim Bo-kyung, are reasons for opposing sides to be wary.
"Qualifying for the knockout stage didn’t seem easy, but we made it by finishing top of the group," said the 29-year-old.
"We have well-balanced squad and are well-organised across all areas of the pitch. Right from the defence, through the midfield and to the attack we have great stability and structure, and it makes us very, very competent.
"As a result, our expectations are higher than before. Our performances have brought us confidence, and opponents must be afraid of facing us."
"To be honest, the team started this season focused more on the domestic competition [K-League].
"However, our strong performances in the AFC Champions League has changed our season's focus in positive ways, for both the K-League and the AFC Champions League.
"Our goal now is to win every single game. This mentality will lead us to a sweet success."
While Ulsan, the Matchday Six defeat to Shandong aside, have been miserly at the back, they have also struggled at times to score with a return of just five goals from their six Group H ties.
Kim Bo-kyung, though, is not overly concerned.
"Attacking and adventurous passes are the main focus," he said. "While goals are necessary, of course, impatience in the offence would not be a help.
"We will try to improve in front of goal, but as long as we are securing the results we need, it is not an issue."
Ulsan have experience of lifting the AFC Champions League before - when they went undefeated to be crowned Asia's kings in 2012 - and Kim Bo-kyung, too, knows what it's like to be a Continental champion having been part of the 2016 Jeonbuk side that defeated Al Ain in the final.
"Having been an AFC Champions League winner previously is a massive help in subsequent campaigns," he said.
"You know exactly what you need to go through to get to the final goal. We have to win every match and overcome hardships to triumph. That’s the key to success."
Source: the-afc.com